Today, an apple tree can be found in almost every garden or vegetable garden, and it seems that there is nothing difficult in growing this tree. But if you approach this issue seriously, it becomes clear that you cannot do without additional preparation - there are so many varieties that it is quite difficult to choose just one. The Narodnoye apple tree is one of the favorites of many gardeners.
Description of the variety
Before choosing this variety of trees, you need to read the description in order to avoid mistakes in growing. Folk refers to early autumn varieties - the ripening period begins in late August and early September.
The fruits have a rich sweet and sour taste. The pulp is predominantly white, with a slight yellow tint; the structure is slightly porous, but not loose. The apples themselves are yellow when ripe, some are marked with a small dividing seam.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Narodnoye variety has many advantages:
- frost resistance (survives winters even at minus 30 degrees);
- self-fertile (easily pollinated without the influence of insects and other trees);
- has a small size, which makes it easier to care for;
- precociousness (the first harvest can be obtained within a year);
- taste;
- even young trees produce a large volume of harvest;
- fruits are suitable for any method of consumption and processing;
- long shelf life (six months without 50 days);
- resistance to many crop diseases.
But it was not without its drawbacks:
- lack of bright color;
- mature trees may bear fruit irregularly;
- late ripening time for apples.
Main characteristics
Below are the characteristics of the Narodnoye variety that you need to know before planting a tree in your garden.
Dimensions
The tree is classified as a medium-dwarf tree and is rarely more than 3.5 meters in height. The crown is quite sparse and compact. These features make the maintenance process easier. The weight of the fruit is on average 100-130 grams, but there are also larger sizes. For example, young trees often have apples weighing 200 grams. They are round in shape, with a slightly conical base.
Productivity
The Narodnoye apple tree has good productivity. The first fruits can be obtained already in the 2nd year after planting the tree, and the volume of the harvest will grow every year. At maturity, 1 apple tree will produce about 160 kilograms of fruit, which is quite a lot for a tree of this size.
Frequency of fruiting
Young trees bear fruit annually. However, it is recommended to cut off the first flowers so that the energy will be used to increase the roots and shoots. However, after about 10 years of growth, the apple tree may produce crops irregularly, and then it is necessary to use phosphorus-potassium fertilizers.
Winter hardiness
Apple trees of this type are distinguished by good winter hardiness - they can easily survive even severe frosts of minus 30 degrees. However, experienced gardeners recommend regularly compacting the snow (and if there is no soil) around the tree in winter - this will preserve the necessary heat and moisture.
Disease resistance
Apple trees of this variety are considered resistant to disease, but this does not mean that the tree cannot get sick. The most common ailments:
- scab (less common than other types of apple trees);
- powdery mildew;
- bacterial burn.
Most often, trees growing in unfavorable climatic conditions are susceptible to these troubles.
Fruit evaluation
The overall tasting assessment of apples of the Narodnoye variety according to the main criteria was 4.5-4.75 points out of 5.
What are the subspecies of the Narodnoe apple tree?
This type of apple tree was obtained by crossing 2 varieties - Papirovka and Bellefleur-Chinese at a research institute under the leadership of Professor S.I. Isaev. Externally, the apples are very similar to Papirovka, and the dividing seam also came from it. From Bellefleur, a Chinese woman, Narodnoye got its amazing taste.
Regions of distribution
Apple trees of this type grow best in central Russia. Initially, the Narodnoye variety grew in the Lipetsk and Voronezh regions and the Republic of Mordovia. Nowadays it can be found more and more often in the Urals and North-Western regions. However, in this case, it is better to choose a place for planting that is sheltered from the wind and cover the trunks for the first 3 years.
Apple tree reviews
Victor, Togliatti: “We really love apples of the Narodnoye variety: they last a long time, the apple tree itself is easy to care for and is suitable even for a novice gardener. The only negative is the dull appearance. “Ruddy” apples are more suitable for sale.”
Tatyana, Lipetsk: “For me, a huge advantage of this variety of apples is the shelf life. They can easily lie until December even at room temperature.”
Tatyana, Voronezh: “Apple trees of this variety are suitable for beginning gardeners: the tree does not require special care, and the crown does not need to be trimmed.”
